CBD extraction’s main goal is to separate the useful CBD compounds from the hemp plant biomass. There are several different extraction methods for hemp using different solvents and machines.
Main Commercial CBD Extraction Methods
CO2 CBD Extraction
Pros:
- Safety: CO2 is a common food additive and is used to produce things like carbonated soft drinks.
- Effectiveness: CO2 has been used as an extraction solvent for years by food companies. It is used to remove caffeine from coffee and as an extraction solvent when producing essential oils.
- Purity: The cannabinoids produced are potent and free of chlorophyll with minimal risk of contaminants.
Cons:
- Expensive: You can only complete the process with the aid of extremely expensive equipment. These extractor units easily cost $40,000+.
- Technical Ability: CO2 Cannabis extraction is not something that should be attempted by an amateur chemist.
Non-CO2 Solvent CBD Extraction
Common solvents are Pentane, Propane, Hexane, Butane, Ethanol.
Most of these solvents are highly volatile and harmful to humans. However, these solvents do an excellent job of separating the CBD from the plant! Once the solvent has extracted the CBD from the hemp, the final part of the extraction is a series of vacuum purges that aim to remove any trace of solvents out of the final product.
This is why lab tests are so important for these kinds of products! Any residual amount could be detrimental to your health. As long as 100% of the solvent has been removed during the final steps of extraction, you are perfectly safe!
There are many quality brands on the market, but be sure to check their independent third party lab test to make sure all of the residual solvents have been removed before you consume the product. Every one of our products has the most extensive third party lab testing available on the market.
Pros:
- Appropriate For Some Products: If you use high-grade alcohol, you may produce good quality oil suitable for vaping cartridges.
- Straightforward Process: Once you have the equipment, it isn’t difficult to complete the process.
Cons:
- Extremely Dangerous (Don’t Try This At Home): Butane and Ethanol are flammable, so it isn’t worth starting a fire in your home to extract CBD in this manner.
- Potentially Harmful: As well as destroying plant waxes, this form of extraction may produce oil that contains chlorophyll or even contain residual solvents once the extraction process is complete.
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